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Home > Forums > MIS/IT > Operating Systems - Hardware Independent > Microsoft: NT 4.0 Server Forum

Can you demote a backup domain controller to a file server?

Read More Threads Like This One

GaryMurray (TechnicalUser)

25 May 06 10:32

I have upgraded my domain to an AD domain with 2003 servers, I still have 2 NT4 BDC can I demote them just to file servers, or do I just remove them from the domain controllers list in AD.
I can't just remove them and switch them off as they are Oracle database servers.

How do I demote them?

Serbtastic (Vendor)

25 May 06 16:07

You cannot demote NT4 PDC/BDCs to member servers, it requires a fresh install.

Why not just leave them alone?

GaryMurray (TechnicalUser)

26 May 06 2:54

I want to raise the function level to 2003 in AD, so I will just have to remove these servers!

victorv (Vendor)

7 Jun 06 10:53

Hi,
the word "demote" is unkown in NT4ish language!

Before formatting them, you can do this:
- backup them or just data
- upgrade them to Windows2003 (they become DC)
- demote them.

However they remain in a dirty situation
sysdir has the previous path, user profiles stay
in the old path (winnt\profiles\...), ecc
Only if you have to maintain application that
is on them, it can be right to don't format them.

If your needing is to maintain HW, do a fresh install.

Bye

LWComputingMVP (IS/IT--Management)

10 Jun 06 13:52

Unless you have a pressing need to go to Active Directory Native mode, you can leave them alone and remain in mixed mode. Otherwise, you an demote them using a commercial product called UPromote.

Reference:
http://utools.com/UPromote_operation.asp

strongm (MIS)

12 Jun 06 1:54

Just to endorselwcomputing's recommendation for UPromote: I've used in the past with good results

AndrewTait (MIS)

18 Jun 06 15:54

Upromote is a great tool, and not too expensive either.

=======================================
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum
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